The Savannah tribune. [volume] (Savannah [Ga.]) 1876-1960, 1887-12-24

ASeANS W ASSAAl y AANAANs
1t was a lonely way; down side streets
and alleys, and presently Steve saw
second dark form on Harmon's side of
the way now, creeping stealthily after
him. He remembered then that this
had been pay day and that John most
probably had his weeks wages in his
pocket; but his first impulse was to cry
out and warn the other died down.
Why should he interfere? What bust
ness was it of his if John should be as
saulted and robbed? Was not the latter
stealing a march on him, carrying roses
to Dolly and ingratiating himself when
he had promised to keep away He had
momentary glimpse of an uplifted arm
carrying something which looked like a
short club. He knew instantly what
it was. He remembered an item which
| he had read the week before of an I'M
known man who had been sandbagged
on the street and killed outright by a
single blow. He had not set this out
law upon the track of John Harmon he
had nothing to do but to hold his peace
and it might be his rival would be re-
moved from his path forever
1t was a wicked thought a horrible
thought.
"You haint got to do nothing, Steve
Brady; only just keep quiet" whis-
pered the tempter.
But another inward voice, finer, stiller,
made itself heard.
''Wher'd you be now if he'd done
nothing when you hung down from that
rotten eavestrough? Did he keep quiet
an let you drop out Of his way, or did
he venture his life to save your'n? This
here's murder you re nursin' in your
heart, Steve Brady. Are you ready to
do murder for any girl-leastwisc for a
girl that don't know her own mind well
enough to choose between the two of
your
All This before the murderous blow
fell. 1t takes time to tell these
thoughts of his, but they all flashed
through his mind in the space of a
breath. AS it fell wild, splitting
yell startled the assailant and assailed
alike John Harmon wheeled in his
tracks, and the blow, grazing his cheek,
had force to knock him down. He was
up again on the instant; up in time to
catch Steve Brady as the ruffian flung
him off after the brieiest struggle-for
Steve was weak yet and no match for
the burly villain whose flight he had
tried to intercept-to catch him and
break the deadly force with which he
was hurled head first against the wall.
That set-to had the effect of sending
Steve back to his bed again. His head
troubled him and he rayed about roses
and sand clubs and Dolly until one day
he found himself looking into Dolly's
own blue, fearful eyes.
''Oh, you poor fellowp she cried.
ooh, to think you cared so much for
me- But how brave of you to save him
when you were so sick and jealous and
all You needn't say word, for John
Harmon has told me everything; but
the idea of you believing that THAT
could-likc him the best
dolly" muttered poor Steve, hardly
knowing if he were really awake, "dc
you mean-you choose-me27
"You, and you only" murmured
Dolly, who would have been vastly in
dignant had any one limited that honest
John Harmon was mere worthy to be
glorifed by that same heroic light with
which she had invested Steve
1t made no difference when Steve con-
fessed his temptation to her afterward.
What woman will not forgive man
who errs through loving herr
Those roses were never intended for
Dolly, after all They were meant for
a little lame orange girl who was fast
dying Of consumption. They were the
one bright spot in her ioyIess life, and
that was the only pay night as long as
she lived on which John Harmon failed
to take them 10 her
He is Stoves best friend, but lac has
never found another Dolly II Washing
ton Critic
II there Is any person 10 whom YOU